Contents

Abstract

The Legal Assistance for Economic Reform (LASER) programme is an initiative funded by the Department for International Development. The programme which is implemented by the Law and Development Partnership and KPMG supports developing countries to strengthen their investment climates

This synthesis paper aims to help DFID and other donors better understand why and how to approach investment climate reform programming differently, and help development practitioners better understand how best to operate on the ground. It draws on an in-depth literature review, initial lessons from LASER’s first year of operation and lessons from more established programmes deploying similar approaches. The paper takes a problem-focused approach to investment climate reform and it reflect on what works, both in recent literature and in practical experience.